Assignment Description

Our client in the automotive industry is currently seeking a Group Design Lead (GDL) for Closure Mechatronics.

About Closure Mechatronics:

Closure Mechatronics is one of seven groups within the Side & Roof department, responsible for developing mechatronic systems for latches, handles, window regulators, recharge modules, and Power Operated Tailgates. The group’s work ranges from early development to the start of production for new vehicle programs. The team collaborates closely with Full-Service suppliers to ensure a good customer experience and profitable products by continuously improving part quality and finding cost savings.

Assignment and Scope:

The Group Design Leader (GDL) will lead the development of mechatronic systems for the rear end, focusing on tailgate latches. Success in this role requires close collaboration with Full-Service suppliers and coordination of the cross-functional team. The GDL is responsible for securing the function, performance, and quality of the systems in cooperation with the team, while ensuring that cost and timing targets are met and balanced with stakeholder requirements.

Main Responsibilities:

• Lead the global development of tailgate latches.
• Run cross-functional engineering meetings, taking the lead and ensuring necessary decisions are made.
• Collaborate with Full-Service suppliers globally to ensure technical solutions and documentation are available at the required level and time.
• Share knowledge and experience within Closure Mechatronics to improve processes and outcomes across programs.
• Continuously optimize and improve parts by balancing cost, weight, performance, and quality.
• Take responsibility for time, technical aspects, and cost for each task, securing project deliverables according to the client’s Product Development System.
• Follow virtual analysis, part prototypes, and car build series, solving any issues found during verification and validation.
• Secure data in all relevant systems (e.g., Pecca Procost, KDP, TCPLM, TCe, Catia).

Qualifications:

• Extensive knowledge and experience working with mechanical systems, mechatronics, and latches.
• Long experience in project management as a Task Leader (GDL/KU) within the automotive industry.
• Experience in product development with suppliers.
• Ability to work independently according to the client’s Product Development System, with experience in tools like KDP, Pecca Procost, VPC, VIRA, TcE, etc.
• Experience in introducing new concepts.
• Technical university degree (or equivalent practical experience).
• Fluent in English (written and spoken).

Desired Attributes:

• Proactively finds and addresses issues before they arise.
• Drives issues to resolution by ensuring information is presented and decisions are made.
• Transparent about project status and progress.
• Comfortable managing ambiguity and excited by working in a dynamic, rapidly changing development environment.
• Pragmatic, able to work on a wide range of issues from quality concerns to concept development.
• Values diversity and understands different perspectives.